Mike Pence promises U.S. is fully committed to EU partnership during meeting with leaders

Vice President Mike Pence spoke with EU leaders in Brussels and assured them of the United States’ “continued cooperation.” (MICHAEL DALDER/REUTERS)

Vice President Mike Pence on Monday reassured European Union leaders worried over the level of the Trump administration's commitment to European security and the NATO military alliance.

In meetings with leaders in Brussels, Pence said he was acting on behalf of the White House and Trump "to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union."

Advertisement

"Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all the same purpose: to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law," Pence told reporters following the meetings.

Trump's election campaign rhetoric — branding NATO obsolete and vowing to undo a series of multinational trade deals — and his benevolence toward Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked anxiety in Europe. Trump was also supportive of Britain's vote last year to leave the 28-nation EU, a withdrawal known as Brexit. And he has suggested that the EU itself could soon fall apart.

Advertisement

EU Council President Donald Tusk, however, said he was comforted by Pence's visit.

"I heard words which are promising for the future, words which explain a lot about the new approach in Washington," Tusk said.

Trump, however, spent his Monday morning tweeting further attacks at EU member Sweden and the media.

"Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!" he posted.

On Sunday night, after Swedish officials asked the U.S. for more information following a remark from Trump about a terror-related incident in the country that seemingly did not occur, the President attributed his statement to a Fox News interview.

Trump confirmed in a Twitter post Sunday that his statement referred to a Fox News interview, which featured conservative filmmaker Ami Horowitz on Friday, "concerning immigrants" and Sweden.